Hamstring Injury Recovery!!

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Rapid Recovery from Hamstring Injuries

The hamstring muscles, located at the back of the thigh, are comprised of three muscle groups. Injuries to this muscle are common in athletes participating in sports such as football or basketball. They are also common in 'weekend warriors' and individuals who participate in walking, jogging or running without a period of adequate warm up and stretching.

This muscle group allows your knee to bend, and plays a critical role in every activity involving the lower body. Your hamstrings are contracting every single time you take a step, climb a flight of stairs or get in and out of your car.

The anatomy of this muscle group

The three muscle groups that comprise the hamstrings include the biceps femoris, semi-membranosus and semi-tendinosus. A partial or complete tear of either of these muscles is a likely possibility in hamstring injuries.

Cause of hamstring muscle injury

A sudden, excessive stress on this muscle group is a common cause of injury. An individual with a previous history of hamstring injuries is more likely to get re-injured. Hamstring muscle tightness and inadequate warm-up can also cause injuries.

The Role of the Physical Therapist

The role of the physical therapist is extremely important in managing patients with hamstring injuries. Prior to treatment, the therapist will obtain a detailed history and perform a clinical examination to ascertain the degree of injury and the muscle groups involved. This will help create a foundation for a safe and effective treatment program.

If the injury was sustained recently, the therapist will recommend rest, since the primary goal is to avoid an increase in pain and excessive strain on sensitive muscles and ligaments. You may be asked to avoid exercise and in some cases, avoid walking. You may be asked to use crutches for support.

In an effort to deal with the pain associated with such injuries, the therapist may recommend an ice pack and a compression bandage to reduce swelling.

Physical therapists will prescribe and supervise a structured exercise program once the acute injury phase (and the associated pain and swelling) has subsided. These can include –

1. Muscle strength exercises - including static and dynamic strength exercises to help regain strength as quickly as possible.

2. Range of motion - including active and passive range of motion exercises that can be partial, or complete range of motion. This helps maintain mobility and minimize muscle tightness.

3. Provision of support devices - The use of assistive devices like crutches, walkers or canes to walk short distances is helpful for patients during the recovery phase. The physical therapist will help analyze the need for such a device, identify the right device (if needed) and assist in acquiring such a device.

Restoration of Control

In addition to the restoration of strength and mobility, an important objective of physical therapy is the restoration of muscle control and balance following hamstring injuries.

When the hamstrings are injured, the strength ratio between the quadriceps (muscles at the front of the thigh) and the hamstrings is also impacted. Weakness or tightness in the hamstrings (as a result of an injury) can also put you at an increased risk of injury to the ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, which is a ligament that facilitates with knee stability.

Exercises involving balance, weight bearing and unexpected shifts in direction can improve strength and stability in the hamstring muscles. For an athlete recovering from hamstring injuries, a physical therapist will work on motor control and help train sport-specific movements.

Whether you are a weekend warrior or an athlete suffering from a hamstring injury, physical therapy can help. In fact, the scope of physical therapy extends far beyond hamstring injuries and includes pain relief and restoration of function for any muscle injury in the body. Give us a call, and we'll help you regain control of your muscles as quickly as possible.

October is National Physical Therapy Month!!

 

Get back to exercising and eating healthy!

 Check out the Top 10 Fittest Baby Boomer Citieshttp://www.moveforwardpt.com/FitAfter50/FittestCities.aspx

Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month

Learn more and celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, www.apta.org/NPTM. #PTmonth

 

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Over 16 years of State of the Art Physical Therapy delivery

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Can Physical Therapy Reverse Aging?

September is considered 'healthy aging month'. The human body goes through a number of changes, as one grows older. A decline in muscle mass and bone density can lead to muscle fatigue and joint pain. It's common for seniors to experience a degree of fear and apprehension prior to exercise.

There is good news. Seniors can remain physically active and lead happy, healthy and productive lives with the help of physical therapy. Exercise in a safe, controlled environment under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist goes a long way in improving quality of life.

Although there are physical limitations associated with aging, the human body can always respond, adapt and grow stronger as long as it is challenged. Physical activity combined with healthy nutrition is important to maintain health and vitality for older individuals.

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Thought for The Day

Aging Gracefully

A physical therapist can design an exercise program to help seniors deal with some of the consequences associated with aging, which include:

1. Increased risk of falls – Falls can occur due to a loss in the body’s ability to maintain balance, posture, and equilibrium. A physical therapist can create an exercise program to improve muscle tone, strength, joint movement, and balance. This can prevent dangerous consequences like broken bones, allowing seniors to stay active and healthy.

2. Pain and discomfort of arthritis – Joint wear and tear can result in osteoarthritis. This leads to joint pain and swelling, which can restrict movement. Physical therapy includes a variety of treatment options including hot and cold treatments, massages, and range of motion exercises. Splints and custom made orthotic devices can also help.

3. Incidence of strokes – A stroke can significantly impact their quality of life. Mobility, speech, memory, and vision can be affected. An exercise program to improve mobility and independence is an essential component of stroke prevention and treatment.

4. Onset of Alzheimer’s disease – This is an irreversible conditon that can be associated with old age. It gets progressively worse once it starts. Physical therapists can help maintain the patient's quality of life by providing exercises to maintain strength and mobility.

5. Osteoporosis – This is a condition characterized by thinning bones that become brittle and prone to fractures. Physical therapy prescribed weight training exercises to increase bone density and improve muscle strength are a cornestone of prevention.

6. Urinary incontinence – This is a rather embarrassing problem that may be associated with aging. Physical therapists can help by providing bladder training exercises that can help treat this problem.

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Message From Your Physical Therapist

Physical Therapy is an Investment

No one can escape the consequences of aging. However, every single person can plan ahead and maintain strength and mobility to age gracefully. The best way to stay active and healthy is to challenge the bones, joints and muscles in a controlled, progressive manner. That's why physical therapy is crucial for individuals of all ages, especially seniors.

Remain positive, and ask your physical therapist about the right and the wrong way to exercise. Challenge your body in a safe, yet progressive manner. Instead of saying "Will this hurt me?", you should be asking yourself "How can I do this safely and how can i remain active?"

While physical therapy cannot reverse aging, it can certainly help you age gracefully, and live a happy, healthy and productive life as the years go by. Call our office today to schedule an evaluation. We can offer you a range of exercises and other treatment options to keep your mind and body feeling younger than you may realize. We look forward to serving you.

 

The Flagler Institute for Rehabilitation, Inc.                     311 Golf Rd. WPB FL 33407

                                                                     561-833-1747

Check out this great article on Yoga and Heart Disease!

AMAZINE RESULTS...


http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109713000442

 

Private Sessions Available Now!!

 

The Flagler Institute for Rehabilitation, Inc.

311 Golf Rd. #1000 WPB, FL 33407

561-833-1747

Please Join Flagler and Nova Southeastern University for its Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament. This event will aide the Scholarship Fund for the College Health Care Science.

$150 per person which includes breakfast, lunch buffet, and shirt.

At: The "Caddy Shack" course, Grand Oaks Golf Club.

Please call Richard at Flagler 561-833-1747 or contact Kevin Kunkel, PhD, PT tournament chair at 954-262-1748 for more details.

 

Contact: Richard Rinehart Assistant Administrator Phone 561 833 - 1747 Fax 561 833 - 1394

311 Golf Road, Suite 1000 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Phone 561 833 - 1747 Fax 561 833 - 1394

The Flagler Institute For Rehabilitation

Press Release    

The Flagler Institute for Rehabilitation is proud to announce. Emily Large PT, CYT, ERYT-500 has been invited to speak at this year’s Yoga Journal Conference. This is by invitation only and brings some of the top instructor in the field to teach.

 

MD's please call 561-833-1747 for more information on this exciting opportunity.

 

Flagler is accepting new referrals, please contact numbers above for further information

Weekend Warrior? Dont beat yourself up!

How to Avoid Weekend Warrior Injuries

It's important to be physically active, and avoid injuries at the same time. This is especially important for a 'weekend warrior'. If you are sedentary, it's extremely important to plan ahead in order to avoid exercise-related injuries. After all, the human body cannot go from 'inactive' mode to 'weekend warrior' mode in an instant.

Exercise intensity must be progressive; otherwise the risk for injury increases. After all, professional athletes prepare for months (sometimes years) to reach a certain level of physical performance. Athletes prepare their bodies for months during the off-season, as they prepare their body for an intense season. Weekend warriors tend to bypass 'preparation' and jump right into intense activity.

Common injuries include joint inflammation, muscle tears, and ligament sprains.  Most injuries can be treated with physical therapy after the acute symptoms have subsided. In severe cases, surgery might be needed.

Weekend Warriors - Do's and Dont's

It's important for weekend warriors to be realistic. For starters, don't expect your body to adapt right away to intense activities. If you have been inactive all week long, your body will not be prepared for physical challenges over the weekend. Make sure you have protective gear, and stay hydrated.

Warm up and Cool Down

A warm up is a simple, yet neglected way to avoid injuries. Eight to ten minutes of walking or light jogging, combined with some light stretching is a great way to prepare your body for progressive exercise intensity and minimize injuries. 

When you're finished with your activity, do not come to a sudden stop. Give your muscles a chance to recover by reducing your intensity, but keep moving. For example, if you have been running, don't come to a stop. Walk for the last few minutes. A cool down period helps restore blood circulation and reduce injuries.

Plan Ahead

Being realistic and planning ahead is important. For best results, get some regular exercise every day. This allows your body to adapt and prepare for your favorite weekend activities.

Physical Therapy For All Ages

If you are a senior weekend warrior, your body is more susceptible to tears, sprains, strains, and other injuries. In fact, there are almost 80 million 'baby boomers' in the United States alone. Physical therapy plays an important role in injury prevention for weekend warriors of all ages.

If you are one of the many weekend warriors this summer, here are a few ways that a physical therapist can help:

• Assessment of Your Body Mechanics/Movements – Your ability to do simple things like move, walk, sit and stand is important to us. We use this insight to create an injury prevention program.
• Home Exercise Programs – Once we have reduced your pain, inflammation and restored your muscle strength in the clinic, we'll design a personalized home exercise program for you. This will help you maintain your results in the comfort of your own home.
• Treatment Techniques - Physical therapy techniques include exercise, hot and cold packs, ultrasound, manual therapy, and much more to deal with different types of injuries.

As your physical therapists, we are committed to helping you do the things you enjoy over the weekend. Regardless of your age and activity level, physical therapy can help prevent injuries and improve well-being. Call us today. We will help you make the most out of your summer.

Special Announcement!!

Emily Large PT, CYT-500 will be teaching and speaking at this years Yoga Journal Conference, in Hollywood Florida from Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

This is by invitation and brings some of the top teachers from around the world to speak and teach.

Congrats Emily for being among the top in your field. We are happy to have you as a part of our team...

Summer Injury Prevention

Summer Injury Prevention 101

Summer is a time to have fun and spend time outdoors. It is an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine. It's a time when you can go out for a walk and roll down the windows and take in everything that nature has to offer. The weather encourages you to be active and venture outside.

The only caveat with outdoor activities is the risk of injuries due to twists, turns, and falls, among other reasons. The good news is that these injuries can be easily prevented with the advice of a physical therapist.

Physical therapists are licensed professional and experts in injury prevention and rehabilitation of injuries. If you want to make the most out of this summer, it's time to seek the advice of your physical therapist.

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Thought for The Day

A Safe, Fun Summer

Here are some tips that to ensure a safe, fun and injury-free summer:

1. Wear Protective Gear

When participating in contact sports, it is essential to wear protective gear appropriate to that activity. For example, wearing helmets, gloves, properly fitting shoes and shin pads (depending on the sport or activity) can prevent injury. Children are undoubtedly more prone to sustaining injuries such as scrapes, bruises, ligament tears, and even broken bones.

2. Stretching Exercises

Summer presents a tempting opportunity to jump into several activities. If your muscles are deconditioned from the long winter, it's important to plan ahead. You want to eliminate muscle tears and joint injuries, all of which form a part of the 'weekend warrior syndrome'. Stretching the muscles and warming them up adequately before and after exercising can help prevent muscle aches and joint pains. Your physical therapist will be able to advise you on the right stretching exercises to perform before and after participating in any activity.

3. Proper Body Mechanics

It's important to be careful when using equipment. Gardening tends to be a popular activity during the summer. Using a wheelbarrow to carry heavy objects is highly advisable. Your physical therapist will also give you great advice on how to avoid back injuries by teaching you how to use different muscle groups when lifting heavy objects.

4. Strengthen The Core

The core muscles refer to the abdominals and lower back. Exercises such as leg raises, crunches, and simple rotational movements can help strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen. This can help in preventing injuries. To be on the safe side, ask your physician if it's safe for you to exercise. Your physical therapist will provide you with various exercises that can strengthen your core and prevent back, hip, and knee injuries.

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Message From Your Physical Therapist

The Best Summer Ever

Don't let the summer months pass you by because of an injury. Nobody wants to spend the summer stuck in bed because of a preventable injury. Visit your physical therapist today to learn about injury prevention this summer.

As your physical therapists, we want you to enjoy the activities you love without hurting yourself. Let us help you plan for a fun and exciting summer.

Call our office today to make an appointment. You can expect a detailed physical evaluation that consists of an evaluation of your strength, mobility and balance, among other things. If you find yourself out of shape or in pain after a long winter's rest, reach out to us. We'll help your body prepare for the best summer ever.

 

The Flagler Institute for Rehabilitation, Inc.

www.flagler-rehab.com

561-833-1747

Lupus and Physical Therapy:

There is more to do then you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edhqiXciLIQ&feature=player_embedded

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

Pathology

Histological changes within the body occur as a result of immunological changes or immunolgical attack associated with deposits of immune complexes within various tissues of the body.

SLE can affect many organs of the body, but it rarely affects them all. The following list includes common signs and symptoms of SLE in order of the most ...to least prevalent. All of the below symptoms might not be present at the initial diagnosis of SLE, but as the disease progresses more of a person’s organ systems become involved.
•“Constitutional symptoms (fever, malaise, fatigue, weight loss): most commonly fatigue and a low-grade fever
•Achy joints (arthralgia)
•Arthritis (inflamed joints)
This image illustrates the typical distribution pattern of the butterfly (malar) rash that can be a characteristic of SLE. This picture was included courtesy of: http://images.google.com/.

•Skin rashes
•Pulmonary involvement (symptoms include: chest pain, difficulty breathing, and cough)
•Anemia
•Kidney involvement (lupus nephritis)
•Sensitivity to the sun or light (photosensitivity)
•Hair loss
•Raynaud’s phenomenon
•CNS involvement (seizures, headaches, peripheral neuropathy, cranial neuropathy, cerebrovascular accidents, organic brain syndrome, psychosis)
•Mouth, nose, or vaginal ulcers”[1]

•The most common signs and symptoms of SLE in children and adolescents are: "fever, fatigue, weight loss, arthritis, rash, and renal disease."[5]

Associated Co-morbidities
•About 30% of people diagnosed with SLE are also diagnosed with fibromyalgia.[2]
•Atherosclerosis[6] [7]
•Lupus Nephritis- leads to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
•Anemia[8]
•Some types of cancers (especially non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung cancer) [7][9] [10]
•Infections
•Hypertension
•Dyslipidemia
•Diabetes Mellitus
•Osteoporosis
•Avascular Necrosis [7]

Causes

There is no known cause of SLE, but research states that the interaction between a person's genetic make-up, immune system, hormonal balance, and environment could potentially cause SLE. At this time, autoimmunity is thought to be the primary causative factor of SLE.

There are certain factors that can predispose a patient to SLE including:
•Heredity- There is a high prevalence of SLE in first-degree relatives. The immune abnormalities associated with SLE can be triggered by both internal and external factors.
•Stress- It has been determined that stress can provoke changes in the neuroendocrine system causing changes in the function of immune system cells.
•Bacterial or viral infection- The Epstein-Barr virus has been found to be a risk factor for the development of SLE.
•Sunlight or UV exposure
•Immunizations
•Pregnancy- The evidence about whether or not pregnancy can cause exacerbations of SLE is very inconclusive because some studies state that pregnancy does affect the course of SLE, while others state that it has no affect on the course of the disease.
•Abnormal levels of estrogen
•Certain drugs- Drugs such as hydralazin, anticonvulsants, penicillin, sulfa drugs, and oral contraceptives can change the cellular responsiveness and immunogenicity of self-antigens and therefore make a person more susceptible to SLE.[1]

Systemic Involvement

There are many visceral systems can be affected from SLE, but the extent of the body's involvement differs from person to person. Some people diagnosed with SLE have only few visceral systems involved, while others have numerous systems that have been affected by the disease.

Musculoskeletal System:
This image was included courtesy of www.google.images.com
•Arthritis- typically affects hand, wrists, and knees
•Arthralgia
•Tenosynovitis
•Tendon ruptures
•Swan-neck deformity
•Ulnar drift

Cardiopulmonary/Cardiovascular System:
•Pleuritis
•Pericarditis
•Dyspnea
•Hypertension
•Myocarditis
•Endocarditis
•Tachycarditis
•Pneumonitis
•Vasculitis
1.Small Vessels Purpura
2.Large Vessels Papular Lesions
3.Arterial Thrombosis

Central Nervous System:
•Emotional instability
•Psychosis
•Seizures
•Cerebrovascular accidents
This illustration was included courtesy of http://www.medicinenet.com/.

•Cranial neuropathy
•Peripheral neuropathy
•Organic brain syndrome

Renal System:
•Glomerulonephritis
-inflammatory disease of the kidneys
•Hematuria
•Proteinuria
•Kidney failure[1]

Cutaneous System:
•Calcinosis
•Cutaneous vasculitis
•Hair loss
•Raynaud's phenomenon
•Mucosal ulcers
•Petechiae

Blood Disorders:
•Anemia
•Thrombocytopenia
•Leukopenia
•Neutropenia
•Thrombosis
Gastrointestinal System:
This picture was included courtesy of http://www.health.com/
•Ulcers--Throat & Mouth
•Ulcerative colitis/Crohn's disease
•Peritonitis
•Ascites
•Pancreatitis
•Peptic ulcers
•Autoimmune Hepatitis [11]

Medical Management (current best evidence)

The medical management for SLE is primarily drug therapy and is based upon the patients symptoms and systemic involvement. In addition to drug therapy, prevention is also very important when dealing with SLE. For patients with photosensitivities, flare-ups can be reduced if patients are cautious about the amount of sunlight or UV light that they are exposed to. Patients with SLE are also encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes: smoking cessation, controlling alcohol consumption, weight management, and regular exercise.[1][7] Exercise is beneficial for patients with SLE because it decreases their muscle weakness while simultaneously increases their muscle endurance. Patients with SLE are also encouraged to participate in support groups, ensure they are taking the correct dosages and amounts of medications, and ensure they visit medical professionals regularly.[1]

New Therapies

Topical Therapy/Medication

NSAIDS

Hormonal Intervention

Immunosupressant Therapy

IV Gamma Globulin

Apheresis

Stem-Cell Transplantation

Biological Therapy[12]

Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)

Physical therapists can play an important role for patients with SLE during and between exacerbations. The patient's need for physical therapy will vary greatly depending on the systems involved.
•Education: It is essential for patients with skin lesions to have appropriate education on the best way to care for their skin and to ensure they do not experience additional skin breakdown.
•Aerobic Exercise: One of the most common impairments that patients with SLE experience is generalized fatigue that can limit their activities throughout the day.[1] In a study by Tench et al., it was determined that graded aerobic exercise programs are more successful than relaxation techniques in decreasing the fatigue levels of patients with SLE. Aerobic activity caused many of the participants with SLE to feel "much better" or "very much better" at the conclusion of the study. The aerobic exercise program consisted of 30-50 minutes of aerobic activity (walking/swimming/cycling) with a heart rate corresponding to 60% of the patient's peak oxygen consumption.[13] Another study, completed by Ramsey- Goldman et al., concluded that both aerobic exercise and range of motion/muscle strengthening exercises can increase the energy level, cardiovascular fitness, functional status, and muscle strength in patients with SLE. In this study, the patients completed aerobic exercise for 20-30 minutes at 70-80% of their maximum heart rate. The patients who completed range of motion and muscle strengthening activities met 3 times a week for 50 minutes sessions.[14]
•Energy Conservation: Physical therapists can educate patients on appropriate energy conservation techniques and the best ways to protect joints that are susceptible to damage.
•Additionally, physical therapists and patients with SLE should be aware of signs and symptoms that suggest a progression of SLE including those associated with avascular necrosis, kidney involvement, and neurological involvement.[1]

Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)

Sometimes used in addition to medical treatment, alternative treatments are used to treat symptoms caused by SLE. These alternative treatments include:
•Homeopathy
This picture depicts acupuncture therapy that can be used to decrease pain. It was included courtesy of www.googleimages.com.

•Chiropractic
•Traditional Chinese medicines (acupuncture and Tai Chi)
•Ayurveda
•Naturopathy
•Massage therapy
•Meditation
•Biofeedback- In conjunction with medication, biofeedback has been shown to decrease a patient's pain and stress levels
•Herbs and Supplements
•Acupuncture- Some research reveals that acupuncture can decrease a patient's arthritis pain[11]

The Impact of Heel Pain

Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your heel for no apparent reason? One of the causes of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia serves as a 'shock absorber' for the arch of the foot.

The patient typically experiences a stabbing sensation in the foot, especially when getting out of bed in the morning. It is not unusual for the pain to subside with movement or stretching. The pain tends to reoccur after prolonged sitting, standing, or walking.

Causes include weight, age, activity, and even gender. Certain activities that place stress on the heel (running, dancing) also play a role. Women are also more prone then men, especially when pregnant.

Too much tension in the plantar fascia can cause small tears in the tissue. When left untreated, the damage worsens and surgery may be warranted. Physical therapy plays an important role to reduce pain and help avoid surgery.

Importance of Exercise

Often, people who suffer from plantar fasciitis have tighter and weaker foot muscles. The physical therapist will conduct a detailed evaluation of the strength, flexibility and stability of the muscles and ligaments around your foot and ankle to determine the best course of action.

The right exercise program can strengthen the ankle and foot muscles, which reduces the strain on the plantar fascia. This helps break the cycle of pain and discomfort.

The physical therapist may also decide to combine exercises for plantar fasciitis with orthopedic shoe inserts. These are specially made inserts that are built to conform to the unique shape and arches of your feet. Pain medication (as prescribed by your physician), ice and rest are also helpful.

A Step in the Right Direction...

Surgery is an option but should be considered as the last resort.

Plantar fasciitis is best treated with a combination of exercise and lifestyle modification. As a weight bearing structure, your feet are under constant stress and strain every day. Healing can take several weeks (or months) and a physical therapist will work with the patient every step of the way. The best course of action is to work closely with a physical therapist and continue with the prescribed home treatment program.

As your physical therapists, we are committed to your health and wellness goals. If you know someone who is experiencing heel or foot pain, ask him or her to call us today. We look forward to hearing from you. Physical therapy is a step in the right direction.

Watch This Informative Video:
http://www.therapynewsletter.com/myarchive.php?userid=385&id=34470&secret=65838571ad4fb53e

 

Step Outside to Walk or Run

People enjoy walking or running for a number of reasons. For many, it's a simple form of exercise. For some, it's about 'the freedom of the road' and 'being one with nature', while others find it an effective way to decrease stress.

Walking or running helps condition the body and improve blood circulation. Regular walking is associated with a healthier heart and a greater sense of well being. For those who like to run, the right running technique combined with appropriate footwear helps minimize injuries.

When you work with a physical therapist, you can expect to learn the right movement techniques to minimize strain on your muscles and joints. Physical therapists can also help runners increase muscle strength and improve joint range of motion. This helps decrease stress on the runner's body and improves overall performance.

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Thought for The Day

The Mechanics of Motion

If you plan on stepping outside to walk or run, expect your physical therapist to teach you the right 'mechanics of motion'. With the proper walking and running technique, you can avoid injury and improve muscular endurance. Here are a few things to consider:

1. The right degree of flexion in your knees and elbows is important to reduce strain on your joints.
2. Posture is important. In fact, your entire technique is dependent upon your posture for efficiency and safety.
3. An appropriate range of motion helps minimize injuries and improve running technique.
4. Proper stride length is an important aspect of efficiency and injury prevention.
5. Proper rhythm, or cadence, will help you to minimize injury by eliminating unnecessary overuse of your muscles.
6. Coordination between your upper and lower body is an important aspect of running technique.

Each of these components plays a vital role in running technique. As you progress with each component, expect an improvement in your strength, efficiency, distance and possibly speed.

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Message From Your Physical Therapist

Injury Prevention with Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can identify muscle imbalances and improper joint alignments. The physical therapist will conduct a detailed evaluation, which includes an analysis of gait, foot alignment, upper body strength, hip alignment and spine alignment.

With an adjustment of running technique and correction of muscle imbalances, the therapist will get you on your feet so that you can walk (and possibly run) if your body allows it.

The best thing for you to do right now is to contact us and ask for an evaluation of your movement patterns before you start a walking or running program. We can help you plan ahead. We can also create a rehabilitation program if you are currently experiencing any discomfort while walking or running. Your body deserves the right kind of care, and we can help you. Let us help you prepare for your journey.

 

www.flagler-rehab.com                                       561-833-1747

What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder (CMT)?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT, is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy and is found worldwide among all races and ethnic groups. Discovered in 1886 by three physicians, Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth, CMT affects an estimated 2.6 million people.

Non-Contagious, Non-Fatal, Inherited Disease
CMT usually isn’t life-threatening and almost never affects brain function. It is not contagious, but it ...is hereditary and can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Connection to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
CMT is one of 40 diseases covered by the MDA, but unlike muscular dystrophy, in which the defect is in the muscles, CMT is a disorder in which the defect is in the nerves that control the muscles.

Symptoms
CMT patients slowly lose normal use of their extremities as nerves degenerate and muscles weaken because the affected nerves no longer stimulate the muscles. Many patients also have some loss of sensory nerve functions.

Treatments
CMT doesn’t have a cure, although physical therapy, occupational therapy, and moderate physical activity are beneficial. Sometimes CMT is surgically treated.

We want to help you better understand CMT by offering advice from professionals. Click here to find answers to the most frequently asked questions and post questions and concerns that have not yet been addressed—we’ll get you in touch with the right professional

http://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=162See More

CMTA Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association - Treatment and Management of CMT

www.cmtausa.org

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) provides information and support to people with CMT, their families, and their caregivers. CMT is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting an estimated 2.6 million people. Our vision is a world without CMT!

"Aiden, look!" piped NAO, a two-foot tall humanoid robot, as it pointed to a flat-panel display on a far wall. As the cartoon dog Scooby Doo flashed on the screen, Aiden, a young boy with an unruly thatch of straw-colored hair, looked in the direction the robot was pointing.

Aiden, who is three and a half years old, has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). NAO (pronounced "now") is the diminutive "front man" for an elaborate system of cameras, sensors and com...puters designed specifically to help children like Aiden learn how to coordinate their attention with other people and objects in their environment. This basic social skill is called joint attention. Typically developing children learn it naturally. Children with autism, however, have difficulty mastering it and that inability can compound into a variety of learning difficulties as they age.

An interdisciplinary team of mechanical engineers and autism experts at Vanderbilt University have developed the system and used it to demonstrate that robotic systems may be powerful tools for enhancing the basic social learning skills of children with ASD. Writing in the March issue of the IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, the researchers report that children with ASD paid more attention to the robot and followed its instructions almost as well as they did those of a human therapist in standard exercises used to develop joint attention skill.

The finding indicates that robots could play a crucial role in responding to the "public health emergency" that has been created by the rapid growth in the number of children being diagnosed with ASD. Today, one in 88 children (one in 54 boys) are being diagnosed with ASD. That is a 78 percent increase in just four years. The trend has major implications for the nation's healthcare budget because estimates of the lifetime cost of treating ASD patients ranges from four to six times greater than for patients without autism.

"This is the first real world test of whether intelligent adaptive systems can make an impact on autism," said team member Zachary Warren, who directs the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) at Vanderbilt's Kennedy Center.

The initial impetus for the project came from Vanderbilt Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering Nilanjan Sarkar. His original research involved the development of systems to improve the man-machine interface. He did so by outfitting computer/robot users with biosensors and analyzing variations in various readings like blood pressure and skin response to evaluate their emotional state. The information was used to program computers and robots to respond accordingly.

Six years ago, when visiting his cousin in India, Sarkar learned that his cousin's son had been diagnosed with ASD. "After I learned something about autism, it occurred to me that my research could be valuable for treating ASD," he said.

"You can't just drop a robot down in front of a child and expect it to work," added Warren. "You must develop a sophisticated adaptive structure around the robot before it will work."

To develop this structure, which they named ARIA (Adaptive Robot-Mediated Intervention Architecture), Sarkar and Warren assembled a team that consists of Esubalew Bekele, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer engineering, Uttama Lahiri, a graduate student in mechanical engineering who is currently an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology in Gandhinagar, Amy Swanson, a project manager at TRIAD, and Julie Crittendon, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The team decided that a robotic system had the greatest potential working with young children. "Research has shown that early intervention, individualized to the learner's needs, is currently the most effective approach for helping children with autism develop the foundational social communication skills they need to become productive adults," Crittendon said.

So the researchers built an "intelligent environment" around NAO, a commercial humanoid robot made in France, whose control architecture was augmented for the purpose. The small robot stands on a table at the front of the room. Flat panel displays are attached to the side walls. The chair where the child sits faces the front of the room and is high enough to put the robot at eye level. The room is equipped with a number of inexpensive web cameras that are aimed at the chair. Their purpose is to track the child's head movements, so the system can determine where he or she is looking. To aid in this effort, children in the study wore a baseball cap decorated with a strip of LED lights that allowed the computer to infer where they are looking.

NAO has been programmed with a series of verbal prompts, such as "look over here" and "let's do some more," and gestures such as looking and pointing at one of the displays, that imitate the prompts and gestures that human therapists use in joint attention training. The protocol begins with a verbal prompt that asks the child to look at an image or video displayed on one of the screens. If the child doesn't respond, then the therapist provides increasing support by combining a verbal prompt with physical gestures such as turning her head or pointing. When the child looks at the target then the therapist responds with praise, such as telling the child, "good job."

The setup allowed the researchers to test the relative effectiveness of the robot-based system and human therapists in joint attention training with a dozen 2- to 5-year-old children, six with ASD and a control group of six typically developing children. They alternated short human-led and robot-led training sessions and compared how the children performed.

The test found that the children in both groups spent more time looking at the robot than they spent looking at the human therapist. During the human-led sessions, the children in the control group spent significantly more time watching the therapist than the children with ASD did. In the robot-led sessions, however, both groups spent about the same amount of time looking at the robot.

"The children's engagement with the robot was excellent," Crittendon said, "and we saw improvements across the board in both groups."

One of the key elements of ARIA is its closed loop design. The robot adapts its behavior to each child automatically depending on how he or she is responding. "There is a saying in the field, 'If you've seen one child with ASD, you've seen one child with ASD.' So one size does not fit all. To be useful, the system must be adaptive," Warren said.

In addition, ARIA is not designed to replace human therapists, who are in short supply, but to leverage their efforts. "A therapist does many things that robots can't do," said Sarkar. "But a robot-centered system could provide much of the repeated practice that is essential to learning. The cost of robotic systems like this will continue to come down in the future so it should easily pay for itself by supplementing human intervention."

Warren hopes that robotic systems can act as an "accelerant technology" that actually increases the rate at which children with ASD learn the social skills that they need. Encouraged by the success of this current study, Sarkar and Warren have started developing robot-mediated autism intervention systems that will address other deficits of children with autism such as imitation learning, role playing and sharing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T7cIY-MIxc&feature=player_embedded

Our heart and prayers go out to all those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing. May we one day be able to live in peace..

A very special thank you to the hero's who rushed from the Medical tents and the volunteers who risked their lives to help others.

What if you could do something today to fight against cancer, change lives, and impact people for generations to come?

The American Cancer Society is working on one of its biggest research projects ever – a ground-breaking study that will have an enormous impact on our ability to prevent cancer and create more birthdays – and we need your help.

We are inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have never had cancer to join the 3rd generation American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study (or CPS-3). This study will help us better understand what causes cancer and how to prevent it, so we can saves lives and create a world with less cancer.

Want to participate in the ground-breaking CPS-3 study to help prevent cancer? Schedule an enrollment appointment in your area today!

For each generation, the American Cancer Society conducts what we call a Cancer Prevention Study (CPS). Researchers follow that generation, so researchers can use the information and apply what they learn to the next generation to save more lives. The ultimate goal of this historic research study is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the United States.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the research that may change the course of cancer forever. Enrollment will take place May 9 – 11, 2013 at Jupiter Medical Center. To see the schedule of dates, times and locations please click here.


Participation is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Click here to schedule your appointment
2. Follow the link in your confirmation email to complete your first survey online, from wherever you are. This survey will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.
3. Go to your appointment where you will complete a brief survey, sign an informed consent, provide a waist circumference measurement and a small blood sample (similar to a doctor's visit). Your in-person enrollment should last no longer than 30 minutes.

And that's all for now! After you've enrolled in the study, you will receive shorter surveys mailed to your home every few years to update your information. You will also receive annual study newsletters to update you on research results.

For more information about CPS-3, please visit cancer.org/cps3florida email cps3@cancer.org or call toll-free 1.888.604.5888.

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment


Thank you,

Alpa Patel, PhD Principal Investigator, CPS-3

Angela McAuley Interim VP, Mass Market Strategies

Nancy Madsen Patient Services Manager

P.S. Not eligible to enroll? Please forward this email to friends, coworkers, and family members in the Palm Beach area and encourage them to fight back against cancer by enrolling in CPS-3. Together, we have the power to save countless lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

Fighting Fibromyalgia

According to NIH (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that affects 5 million adults in the United States alone. It is more common in women than men and is generally diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It is often characterized by chronic widespread muscular pain and tenderness, symptoms of extreme fatigue and listlessness, poor sleep quality, and memory problems.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Numbness or tingling
• Irritable bowel or bladder syndrome
• Abdominal or pelvic pain and/or cramps
• Temporomandibular pain (pain in the jaw)

There is no specific test that can actually confirm or diagnose fibromyalgia. As a result, it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A physician or healthcare provider will conduct several tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These conditions include rheumatologic disease and thyroid issues.

Management of Fibromyalgia with Exercise

For a patient with fibromyalgia, every day is different. Symptoms can often come and go. Some days may be extremely challenging, while others are more manageable. A well designed exercise program plays an important role in the management of fibromyalgia but the fear of pain prevents individuals from exercising. This is where a licensed physical therapist can help.

Expect the physical therapist to evaluate current functional limitations and establish personalized goals. The physical therapist will also evaluate the 'body mass index' of the client and determine if weight loss can help reduce symptoms. In addition, the therapist will design a comprehensive lifestyle improvement program consisting of exercise and manual therapy techniques to help relieve pain and restore function.

There are several added benefits with the pain relief associated with a physical therapy program. Clients find that they can sleep better, focus more effectively and experience a greater sense of wellbeing as compared to individuals who do not exercise.

The Universal Role of Physical Therapy

Whether you experience pain as a result of fibromyalgia or any other condition, your physical therapist can teach you to interpret the severity of pain signals and possibly reduce pain with structured exercise. You will discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, reduce pain and improve your sleeping habits.

As experts in restoring strength and improving mobility, therapists can develop a very specific and individualized plan of care based on the problems that clients are experiencing. This is true not only in the case of individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia, but those with any injury, pain, or lack of mobility and function for any reason.

As the premier providers of physical therapy in our community, our primary goal is to help you reduce pain and fatigue and improve your overall level of fitness. We want you to live a happy, healthy, and pain free lifestyle and are committed to serving you. Call us today and give us a chance to show you what we can do for you.

We are happy to announce the addition of 3 new and terrific staff members.

Taylor Gonsman is one of our new aides, she hails from WPB and is currently a student at South University in their Physical Therapy Assisting Program.

Todd Frances... is our other aide and hails from Maryland. Todd is a certified Therapy Aide and brings an energetic attitude to the office.

Kimberly Pabst is a new Physical Therapy Assistant from South University. Kim's bright smile and carrying manor make her a great fit to the Flagler team.

Thank you to all our patients and staff for making this facility one of the premire rehab centers in West Palm Beach.See More

For those children sufferring from Autism it can feel like they are locked in their own bodies. Not being receptive to touch can cause issues for everyone in the family. Cranial Sacral Therapy has been shown to reduce the touching sensativity and allow for better ROM for the entire body. If you know someone who may benefit from this technique please have them call.

 561-833-1747 www.flagler-rehab.com